Abstract: The present invention relates to yarn dyeing, such as denim dyeing. A process provides a dyed yarn having reduced dye penetration and a white core at lower cost. The improved process for yarn dyeing is referred to herein as the CleanKore technology. The CleanKore technology improves one or more steps in dye ranges to achieve dyeing of the yarn while retaining a white core at the center of the yarn. When viewing a cross-section of a yarn, the peripheral portion is dyed while the center remains white (not dyed). The CleanKore technology modifies the scouring stage (or phase), the scour rinsing stage, the dyeing stage, and/or the dye rinsing phase of existing dye ranges. The modifications may be applied individually or any combinations thereof to the existing dye range.

Abstract: A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.

Abstract: A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.

Abstract: A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.

Abstract: A method of scribing a graphic on a material is provided, in which laser output is applied to the material. The laser output is moved relative to the material at a high speed greater than 10 m per second, and at a high power greater than 500 W, to scribe a graphic on a surface of the material. Also provided is a system for scribing a graphic on a material. The method and system of the invention are especially useful in the scribing of building materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for imparting designs and/or patterns on fabric by laser etching the fabric at an energy density of about 0.0398 to about 31.85 watts-sec/mm3. The resulting fabric contains designs and/or patterns thereon and has great feel or hand.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a surface treatment of fabric with a laser and, more specifically, to a system and method for generating a pattern used to process a surface of a fabric through laser irradiation and the fabric resulting from such treatment. The present invention provides small laser spot sizes while operating a laser at large field size by 1) using a laser system with post-objective scanning architecture; 2) using multiple lasers across the width of a fabric roll; and/or 3) increasing the size and weight of the laser scanning mirrors. The spot size normally associated with a smaller laser field size (e.g. 500 mm) may be achieved with a laser having a larger field size (e.g. 950 mm or greater) by practicing the teachings of this invention.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of creating an easily torn material using laser etching, as well as articles produced therefrom is provided. As opposed to standard perforations, a laser is used to etch a line in a sheet of material. The line allows the material to be easily torn by a user, yet exhibits enough tensile strength to prevent tearing during regular use.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of creating an easily torn material using laser etching, as well as articles produced therefrom is provided. As opposed to standard perforations, a laser is used to etch a line in a sheet of material. The line allows the material to be easily torn by a user, yet exhibits enough tensile strength to prevent tearing during regular use.

Abstract: A laser-markable acrylic and PVC composition (commonly known as Kydex®) is lased using a CO2 laser to differentiate a laser etched graphic or pattern from the base material. A discoloration may be controlled to improve an appearance of the graphic or pattern. An embodiment uses a 500 to 2,500 watt CO2 laser to provide a raster or vector graphic pattern on the Kydex® finished part. Yet another embodiment is to use a 500 to 2,500 watt CO2 laser to provide a seamless raster or vector graphic pattern on a large piece of Kydex® which can then be cut and divided into multiple finished parts. In this case, an embodiment would include providing the necessary software and process controls to insure that the seams between individual parts that make up a larger part are without lines of demarcation.

Abstract: A system and method of laser etching materials is provided. A series of optical elements are used to reduce the spot size of a laser for a given field size, allowing fine detailed graphics associated with small spot sizes to be etched with larger field sizes. This may be accomplished, for example, by increasing the size of a laser beam beyond its natural state before passing the beam through a focusing lens, such expander lens, focus lens and mirror system increased in size so as to generate a laser spot size less than or equal to 0.5 mm at a field size equal to or larger than 1500 mm square.

Abstract: A method of creating an easily torn material using laser etching, as well as articles produced therefrom is provided. As opposed to standard perforations, a laser is used to etch a line in a sheet of material. The line allows the material to be easily torn by a user, yet exhibits enough tensile strength to prevent tearing during regular use.